Campbell County Community News

Devils Tower National Monument always has something going on for visitors, and this summer -- with the help of the the Devils Tower Natural History Association -- is going to be jam-packed with educational and fun events.

Ranger programs are presented year-round, but in the summers from Memorial Day to Labor Day, there will be evening presentations Sunday through Thursday starting at 8:30 p.m. in the amphitheater across from the picnic area. Here's the big list of events starting this week:

May 16: Join a ranger for a special astronomy presentation during the New Moon. Telescopes will be available for viewing deep sky objects although you may bring your own. A nice clear view of the night sky may feature star clusters and nebulae. This program will begin at 9:30 pm.May 30: Half the Park is After Dark; the Full Moon will illuminate Devils Tower for beautiful photography opportunities. Telescopes will be available for viewing deep sky objects although you may bring your own.June 1 and 2: Lyle Miller presents Lakota history and culture, storytelling and art. June 8 and 9: Indiana Bones, “Keeper of Legends” an Emmy award winning writer, producer and performing artist combining archaeology, action, adventure, ancient legends, mythology and folklore. Indy thrills and educates audiences with his unique storytelling abilities. June 13: Immediately following the ranger’s evening program a special Half the Park is After Dark program will focus on some of the purest night skies in the world. Telescopes will be available for viewing deep sky objects although you may bring your own.June 22 and 23: Kevin Loche, Lakota and Anishinaabe is a preeminent player of the Native American flute, a traditional storyteller, cultural ambassador, recording artist and educator.June 24: The Old Settlers Picnic will begin at 12 noon in the picnic area. Pioneer gatherings at the Tower started in the 1890s and became known as the Old Settlers’ Picnic. Special appearance by President Theodore Roosevelt portrayed by Mr. Gib Young and music by Gigi Love. There will be free entrance into the Monument.June 27: Immediately following the ranger’s evening program a special Half the Park is After Dark will offer views of the night sky making for a perfect night of stars, planets and the Milky Way.June 28: Half the Park is After Dark; the Full Moon will illuminate Devils Tower for beautiful photography opportunities. Telescopes will be available for viewing deep sky objects although you may bring your own.June 29 and 30: Willie LeClair, Eastern Shoshone from Riverton, Wyoming is a traditional dancer continuing the tradition of the warrior, wearing the eagle feathers of past days.July 5: President George Washington will address his friendship with Native Americans. President Washington, portrayed by Mr. Carl Closs, our country’s first president will visit our country’s first national monument. July 6 and 7: Meet President Theodore Roosevelt as he describes his life and the conservation and preservation measures taken to make Devils Tower the first national monument. President Theodore Roosevelt, portrayed by Mr. Gib Young, declared Devils Tower as America’s First National Monument in 1906.July 13 and 14: Join Buffalo Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo as they present a live musical performance with exciting western songs about Cowboys, The Oregon Trail, The Transcontinental Railroad, Lewis﻿ and Clark, Stories in Traditional Native American Indian Sign Language, Cowboy Poetry and World-Class Yodeling. Composer/Performers Bill Boycott and Dr. Jo.July 13: Join a ranger for a special astronomy presentation during the new moon. Telescopes will be available for viewing deep sky objects. A nice clear view may feature star clusters and nebulae. July 20 and 21: Phillip Whiteman Jr., Northern Cheyenne, will share the traditional arts of storytelling, song and dance, and horsemanship to reconnect tribal communities with their histories, cultures and ways of being.July 27: Enjoy the lively cowboy poetry and music of Chance Dennis as he presents western life in the Black Hills.July 27: Immediately following Mr. Dennis’ presentation the ranger will present a night skies program with help from the moon. A Full Moon will illuminate Devils Tower for beautiful photography opportunities. Telescopes will be available for viewing deep sky objects although you may bring your own.July 28: Enjoy the lively cowboy poetry and music of Chance Dennis as he presents western life in the Black Hills.July 29: Join a ranger for a tour of the night sky during the Delta Aquarids Meteor Shower. The meteors appear to radiate from near the star Skat or Delta in the constellation Aquarius the Water Bearer. August 3 and 4: Chance Ensemble invites you to take a walk in the woods with the words of John Muir. A musical landscape will surround you, excite you to follow around the next bend, and deliver you to a deep appreciation for one of our country's most influential naturalists. Composer/Performers Cheryl Leah and Ed WillettAugust 11: Join a ranger for a special astronomy presentation during the Perseids Meteor Shower. Telescopes will be available for viewing deep sky objects although you may bring your own.August 17 and 18: The Whitebull Dancers with the Little Brave Singers present traditional Arapaho singing, drumming, and dancing.August 24 and 25: Robert Dennis presents cowboy poetry and music from a lifelong love affair with the Black Hills.All programs are free of charge and may be changed due to inclement weather. For more information about ranger programs at Devils Tower National Monument visit www.nps.gov/deto or www.facebook.com/Devils-Tower-National-Monument-Official-NPS-Site or twitter.com@DevilsTowerNM or Instagram at #devilstowernps